DOT DOT DASH MEETS DONNA: Don Garza, L.A.’s Town Crier and the 3bn blogger who covers skid row, picked a smashing ensemble to answer a Sunday night challenge put forth by organizers of “Gay’s on Ice" at the Pershing Square’s ice rink . . –– THE DON CAN’T HELP IT: The straight and never skated before Garza had the choice to wear a dress or speedo––and he made the right choice––for a pre-selected hour. For that, organizers will donate $50 to the L.A. Food Bank, who have been struggling to provide during these tough economic times . . –– THE BRAVE BLOND: Garza managed to make it around the ring . . .slowly . . .for the off-the-wall fundraiser. No injuries were reported. [Central City East Blogger]

While most Holiday music becomes white Christmas noise this time of year, I didn’t get weary of Bing and Bowie’s “Little Drummer Boy” mixed with “Peace on Earth” or the Diana Krall version of Vince Guaraldi’s “Christmas Time is Here” from “A Charlie Brown Christmas.”

Also, I always look forward to Darlene Love’s annual visit to The Late Show with David Letterman where she knocks out “Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)" This year it will be on Dec 23.

What's really missing is Christmas music that's about Downtown. Maybe if we started with possible titles, new music can be ready by 2009. Songs like "Hail Santa a Cab on Christmas Eve" or "I saw spandax in Pershing Square" can be new classics.

Pictured: This Santa on Seventh has no downtown Los Angeles - based holiday favorites.

The borders of Alameda, the Los Angeles River, First Street, and Seventh Street are roughly shared by the Historic Cultural Neighborhood Council, the Arts District BID, and the Los Angeles River Artists and Business Association. With the council’s approval, developments pushed south have the means to continue converting former industrial and warehouse space for artists.

The Artists in Residence, an ordinance first passed in 1981, may not stimulate any new developments in these times. At least those nifty Arts District signs can go beyond beyond 4th Street.

MOCA MOJO NEEDED: The Museum of Contemporary Art may have found an early agreement with Eli Broad for a bail out, reports the NY Times. Three people who are "close to the board"– including two who were at the meeting––confirm that the offer is on the table, but not final, and is conditional . . –– LOOK AT BOOK: Broad’s examination of the museum’s financial accounts is one of the conditions, says an undisclosed source to the NYT, who also cautioned the LACMA offer of a merger is not off the table . . –– Earlier that same day, Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa urged MOCA trustees to take another 30 days to “conduct a public review of proposals to rescue their institution, which is facing a financial crisis.”

East West Players extended their staging of "The Joy Luck Club" and it ends Sunday, Dec 21. Now tickets are being offered at half-price with a donation of canned food for the final weekend.

"We recognize that during these difficult economic times it can be easy to get lost in your own challenges," said Producing Artistic Director Tim Dang in the EWP announcement offering playgoers a chance to help others during the holiday season.

To get that special pricing, you’re asked to purchase the tickets in person with your (unexpired) canned goods. Donated items will be given to the Little Tokyo Service Center (LTSC) for distribution.

If you are short on time, or find your home pantry has nothing but soup and canned peaches that expired in 2006, you can make a quick stop at a nearby Little Tokyo market and pick up something to donate.

Which Little Tokyo cafe would is the best choice on a rainy night, before you sit down for a play, is another question altogether.

The Joy Luck ClubThursday, Dec 18 at 8pmFriday, Dec 19 & Saturday, Dec 20 at 2pm and 8pmIt closes Sunday Dec 21, at 2pm.Henry Hwang Theater at the Union Center for the Arts120 Judge John Aiso St (Near East First and San Pedro) in Little Tokyo For more information call (213) 625-7000.

ANYONE NOT SEE THIS COMING?: Time Magazine’s Person of the Year is a decision made in secrecy, yet it’s no surprise that Barack Obama made the 2008 cover . . –– ALSO RANS: In the running for the 2008 Person of the Year honors were Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson, Jr., French President Nicolas Sarkozy, and GOP VP Candidate Sarah Palin. Also under consideration was Chinese film director Zhang Yimou who idealized his homeland as director of Beijing Olympic Games opening ceremonies.